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The ‘Blouse Tax’, Law That Applies 20% on Purchases Below US$ 50 on Sites Like Shopee, Shein, and AliExpress Will Be Sanctioned by President Lula. How Will This Impact Your Online Purchases?
If you enjoy shopping on international sites like Shopee, Shein, and AliExpress, you will now feel a pinch in your wallet. The recent approval of the so-called ‘blouse tax’ promises to change the rules for low-value purchases made outside Brazil. With the new law, a 20% tax will be applied on purchases below US$ 50, and the project is expected to be sanctioned soon by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT).
What Is the ‘Blouse Tax’?
The ‘blouse tax’ is an import tax that will apply to purchases valued below US$ 50 made on foreign sites. This 20% tax will be imposed once the project is sanctioned by the president. It’s important to note that this measure does not follow the principle of anteriority; that is, it is not subject to annuality and noventena, which are common in other contributions such as PIS, Cofins, IPVA, and IPTU.
Currently, international purchases from online retailers up to US$ 50 are exempt from import taxes, with only the Tax on Circulation of Goods and Services (ICMS) being required, which varies between 17% and 19%. This is due to the Remessa Conforme program, launched by the federal government last year. For items valued between US$ 50 and US$ 3,000, there is a 60% rate, and above that value, importation is prohibited.
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Understand What Will Change with the ‘Blouse Tax’
With the approval of the project and the impending presidential sanction, international purchases up to US$ 50 will now be subject to the Import Tax, with a rate of 20%. Purchases within this limit will continue to receive the 17% ICMS rate.
For example, if a consumer buys a product costing R$ 200 with a shipping fee of R$ 20, the total purchase amount is R$ 220. With the inclusion of ICMS (17% on R$ 220), the amount rises to R$ 257.40. On this amount, the 20% tax will be applied, resulting in an additional cost of R$ 44. The final price will be R$ 301.40.
President Lula Claims He Thinks the Import Tax Collection Is “Misguided”
The proposal for the ‘blouse tax’ was included in the bill for the Green Mobility Program (Mover), which deals with incentives for decarbonization of cars. This inclusion led to heated discussions on social media, with many consumers complaining and requesting the removal of the tax.
Recently, President Lula stated that he thinks the import tax collection is “misguided,” but assured that he will not veto the bill approved by the National Congress. Previously, Lula had expressed opposition to the measure and indicated that he would likely veto it. However, now he has committed to sanctioning the text agreed upon with Congress to avoid further political damage.
In an interview with radio CBN, Lula highlighted a possible differential treatment between citizens making small purchases on international sites and those traveling abroad and buying items at free shops. He questioned the fairness of the measure:
“Why tax US$ 50? Why tax the poor and not tax the guy going to the free shop who spends US$ 1,000? It’s a matter of consideration for the humbler people in this country. Does a person spending US$ 50 have to pay tax? And the guy who pays US$ 2,000 doesn’t?”
Lula also mentioned that he accepted to implement PIS and Cofins to charge around 20% as a way to ensure the unity of Congress and the government, although he personally considers the measure misguided.
Impacts of the ‘Blouse Tax’ on Consumers’ Wallets
The ‘blouse tax’ will directly affect consumers who make small purchases on sites like Shopee, Shein, and AliExpress. Previously, these purchases were exempt from import taxes if the value was below US$ 50. With the new law, these consumers will have to bear an additional cost of 20% on their purchases.
This means that if a consumer buys a blouse costing US$ 45, they will pay an additional US$ 9 in tax, plus the ICMS. This increase may discourage many buyers who use international sites to acquire cheaper products.
Will This Measure Really Bring Benefits to Local Commerce or Just Penalize Low-Income Consumers?
The approval of the tax generated mixed reactions. Some consumers and experts believe that the measure may help level the playing field between local retailers and international sites. However, many consumers feel wronged, especially those making sporadic and low-value purchases.
While presidential sanction is awaited, the debate over the fairness and effectiveness of the ‘blouse tax’ continues. Will this measure really bring benefits to local commerce or just penalize low-income consumers?
And you, what do you think about the new tax on international purchases below US$ 50? Do you think this measure is fair or will it harm consumers? Leave your opinion in the comments!
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